The last flight for Sir Freddie

February 10, 2006
Friday

The last flight for Sir Freddie

Johnathan Pearce (London) Transport

Sir Freddie Laker, the man who took on the nationalised airlines in the 1970s with his cheap "Skytrain" airline, only to go bust, has died at the age of 83, according to this report. Laker was, despite the failure of his venture, a hugely influential figure in the airline industry by daring to suggest that flight need not be the preserve of the wealthy. He laid down the model to be copied by the likes of Southwest, Easyjet and Ryanair. His tough business battle with BA also inspired Sir Richard Branson to have a crack at the privatised national carrier's transatlantic business.

The economics of airlines has fascinated me, not least because as a business it has attracted some of the largest egos and some of the few remaining examples of buccaneering entrepreneur. Perhaps that is why we like them or even if we don't, find them fascinating. They stand out from the grey suits. None more so than Sir Freddie.

On the subject of cheap airlines and their globalising impact, here is an excellent piece from a year ago by Matt Welch in Reason magazine.

Comments

What a shame to hear that Sir Freddie died, although doubtless those unscrupulous British Airways b*stards King and Marshall will be celebrating today.

As Margaret Thatcher said of him,

Look at Laker Airways, competition pays.

Posted by Julian Taylor at February 10, 2006 09:58 AM

He was a giant. He changed the way the airline industry operates and that led to Richard Branson. Oh, wait a minute ...

Anyway, he was a pioneer and a fighter.

Posted by Verity at February 10, 2006 01:49 PM

Verity, still pouring out hatred for Dickie Branson for some reason or other.

Posted by Johnathan Pearce at February 10, 2006 02:33 PM

Actually, Johnathan, I admire Richard Branson. Left school at 16 and became a multi-millionaire through his own efforts. What's not to like? I find his personality rather revolting but that doesn't diminish my high regard for his accomplishments.

Posted by Verity at February 10, 2006 02:49 PM

I read somewhere that cumulatively, the commercial airline industry has never turned a profit (although obviously individual carriers have). Can anyone verify or deny this?

Posted by James Waterton at February 10, 2006 03:57 PM

Historical note: Sir Freddie flew in the Air Transport Auxiliary during the Second World War and was one of the pilots who flew in the Berlin Airlift. Virgin named one of its airplanes "The Spirit of Sir Freddie." Happy landings, Laker.

Posted by Jack Olson at February 10, 2006 05:23 PM

Yes: From the Berlin airlift to breaking the government backed airline cartel Sir Freddie did what he could for freedom.

It should also be remembered that many inovators do not benefit from their inovations. Sir Freddie may have been brought down by the manipulations of his foes, but many other good people have benefited the public by setting up companies that do new things or do old one in new ways - only to see other people copy what they do and do it a bit better.

At least Sir Frreddie did not end up in th gutter (as some inovators do), but it is well to remember that a business man may do great good in opening up a market - without gaining great gain (in the end) himself.

Posted by Paul Marks at February 13, 2006 09:16 AM

Posted by johny at February 24, 2006 01:16 PM

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